Changing Standards of Beauty

I have long thought it edifying, not to mention cheering, to take a look at images of beauty through the ages, to remind one's self that twig girls with implants have not always been the standard of sex appeal, not even in Hollywood. Take a look at this clip (with documentary voice over) from the very first movie made of the story of Cleopatra, from 1915.

That's Helen Gardner as Cleopatra, and not only was she a movie star, she was considered a "vamp," aka sex symbol. Take a look at that midsection. Take a look at that bustline. Yet she was cast as one of the great seductresses of history.

Never forget that not only are The Beautiful People, as selected by show biz and the tabloids, genetically gifted, they're generally beneficiaries of at least a little surgical enhancement. Not to mention stylists, makeup artists, hair dressers, brilliant lighting, and a whole lot of air brushing.

Trying to compete is fruitless, unless you've got a helluva lot more money than I do, and feeling bad because you "don't measure up" is a sucker's game.

This has been a public service announcement.